Single-Target vs. AoE Damage in Boss Fights
The Hammer of the Ancients (HotA) Barbarian in Diablo 4 is a high-damage powerhouse capable of Diablo 4 Items both single-target burst damage and effective AoE (Area of Effect) clearing. However, how you approach a boss fight depends on whether you are focusing on eliminating the boss quickly or handling minions alongside the boss.

1. Single-Target Boss Fights: Maximizing Burst Damage
In fights where the boss is alone or minions are not a major threat, the HotA Barbarian shines as a one-shot kill machine.

Best Approach for Single-Target Bosses:
Stack Fury Before Attacking

Since HotA’s damage scales with how much Fury you have, always engage with max Fury.

Use Rallying Cry to quickly regenerate Fury.

If possible, use shouts like War Cry for extra buffs before striking.

Apply Vulnerable and Debuffs Before HotA

Many bosses take extra damage when Vulnerable.

Skills like Rupture or Leap can apply Vulnerable, making your next HotA hit even harder.

If available, use gear effects that increase damage against Vulnerable enemies.

Use Unbridled Rage for Maximum Damage

The Unbridled Rage Key Passive increases your HotA damage by 135% but Diablo 4 Items for sale makes it cost more Fury.

This is perfect for single-target fights, where you can focus on hitting the boss with fully charged attacks.

Positioning for Max Damage

If the boss moves frequently, position yourself strategically to avoid missing your HotA swings.

Stay close but mobile—dodging attacks while preparing for your next full-Fury smash.

Legendary Aspects That Boost Single-Target HotA

Edgemaster’s Aspect → Increases damage based on Fury level, ideal for high-burst HotA hits.

Aspect of Ancestral Force → Expands HotA’s damage radius, ensuring that even if the boss moves slightly, the hit still connects.

Aspect of Echoing Fury → Generates extra Fury, allowing faster HotA uptime for repeated boss-smashing.